a/n: Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. I can't say it enough. Sorry. I don't even have a good excuse. Life just happens…The good news is that I have an update for you! And part of the next chapter written too! Hope you like the chapter.

disclaimer: I own nothing but this story.


Scenarios

Scene Four: The Plan


Conflicted blue watched with guarded approbation as Kenshin and Misao breezed through the dining room doors.

The faith the slender hand graced upon the offered forearm…

For the first time since Misao's abrupt arrival last night, some semblance of her vivacious friend surfaced rather than the lackluster doll of last night.

The close proximity and slight lean of bodies toward one another…

Wary eyes took inventory of the couple's interaction.

The steady, solid support offered…

Kaoru was thankful that Kenshin seemed to be working his magic upon the girl. Yet, the ease with which they conversed, the slowly returning sparkle of joy within sapphire depths, caused a jolt of some unheard-of-until-this-moment emotion to infiltrate the silently observing lady until she was fairly green.

"Misao."

It was not until the cease of all motion within the room, the fixation of all attention upon herself, that she realized her abrupt, harsh really, manner and intonation.

She flushed. She smiled.

"Misao," softer, gentler this time, "you cannot have been frolicking all morning with Himura-san."

Motion and sound returned again, the tension slowly drained, retreating into the background. Yielding its place before the buoyant energy flowing forth in answer.

"Kaoru, why did you not tell me you knew Ken-chan!"

The brilliant innocence with which the addressed girl's entire being pronounced these words left Kaoru breathless. How could she ever suspect her more-than-friend of something even remotely underhanded? It was not her nature to be suspicious. But she had worked so hard to gain that ease, that camaraderie, with both Misao and Kenshin, which they both seemed so freely to give each other.

Why could Misao not articulate her pain last night, yet so freely converse with welcome, joy, even, with Kenshin? Why did Kenshin not distance himself from Misao as he did with all other women upon first acquaintance? Why was she questioning the motives of her friend and her fiancé?

Her conscious whispered what she knew deep within herself, but she ignored it.

To be jealous

Of Misao?

Of Kenshin?

Preposterous!

Valiantly, though perhaps with less courage and philosophy than the situation required, Kaoru pushed her ridiculous half-thoughts into the deep recesses of her mind.

"But Misao, I did write you of my engagement."

"I know that, but why didn't you ever tell me you had met Ken-chan!"

That was the second time she had called him that. And though embarrassed, he seemed ill-inclined to correct her of her familiarity. Worse, he appeared complacent. Green bled her vision. Was he not the one who insisted upon all manner of propriety, of social etiquette, of formality? Why did he not correct her? Why did he not insist she call him Himura-san, as she was forced to acknowledge him herself? What would she not give to have that freedom, so coveted, to call…him…

Ken-chan?

Was that not Misao's long-lost companion of early days? Was that not who Misao had first compared Kaoru to when they had first become friends?

The name triggered memories better left buried. Of a scrawny girl, loud, obnoxious…unbearably raw.

Kaoru had been visiting an aunt that summer. That fateful meeting.

From the first moment they met, Kaoru had not understood Misao. How could someone be so intolerably free with their emotions, their thoughts. So horrifically honest. Misao's frankness had been straightforward to the point of cruelty. The gawky, awkward, preteen Kaoru had been so insulted by Misao's tactless honesty upon her appearance, the blunt, guileless announcement of her faults before everyone. She could not understand how anyone of consequence, of society, could be so untainted, so naïve. The girl had not understood, and so she had hated.

She had not understood the gift Misao had offered. Of friendship, untainted by appeasing half-truths. Meant as kindness, yet more cruel and misleading than any truth ever could be.

It was not until the death of her beloved mother that summer. The passing of which left Kaoru bereft. Her father, while kind and thoughtful, was not the most tender man.

All others were awkward. Apparently society did not deal with death.

It was Misao alone, the rowdy, painfully honest enemy of Kaoru's youthful mind, who stood beside her through all her tears. She offered no trite words of sympathy or comfort as others did before her. Wordlessly, she stood there. Just as Kaoru needed. A silent pillar of strength. No pampering, no callous sympathy. She did not pretend to understand what Kaoru was going through; she could not understand someone else's loss. For once, Kaoru saw her honesty and silence for what it was, a pure soul. Feeling and bleeding with her. They did not speak before Kaoru left. However, 2 weeks after her departure for the manor, the stifling cold house, Misao's letter arrived and a tentative friendship formed. Strengthening with each passing year. Misao was no angel, of course. She tricked and mocked and laughed at Kaoru as the occasion commanded she do. She was still candid, direct, to the point of brutality. Yet, somehow, Misao weaseled her way into Kaoru's heart. Through her cheerful disposition, her liveliness, and most ironic of all, her unyielding honesty – no matter how undesired, unwelcome, and unappreciated – she became a staple to Kaoru. Something necessary and real.

It wasn't until years later, when Kaoru had the accidental pleasure of seeing Misao within society's premier circle, that she truly learned what a gift she had been given. Misao's friendship was more precious that she had realized.

It was Misao's coming out season. She was young, effervescent. Not even the stringent societal etiquette could dampen her wild spirit. Nothing, but her family.

Kaoru had been astonished and helpless as she witnessed the easy neglect and disapproval Misao was constantly subjected to by her own family. Such carelessness was not easily missed, and society was ever ready to act the part of a flock. As careless with Misao as her family was.

That her friend should not have the perfect life, that she was so situated with those who should love her best, struck Kaoru as unbelievable. That Misao could remain untainted as she has always been, a miracle.

Kaoru would never forget the pleasure, surprise, pure appreciation Misao displayed when Kaoru approached her as though it were the most natural thing and conversed with her throughout the rest of the ball.

The next day, bright and early, Misao had appeared at her place of residence in town and placed her trust in Kaoru entirely. Telling her directly of her family situation, no pleasantries, no mincing of words. Just truth, as Misao understood it.

That was also when Misao first mentioned her champion of her youth, the ever heroic Ken-chan. Kaoru had always associated Ken-chan with Misao. How could she now reconcile her Kenshin to Misao's Ken-chan?

"Kamiya-san?"

Inquisitive emerald eyes suddenly filled her vision. How could she forget herself so? Best to leave reminiscing to more private times.

"I apologize Yukishiro-san. My thoughts quite ran away with me. Did you require me?"

She did not quite trust the look that flitted across his features. There was just something about Yukishiro Enishi that made her uneasy.

"I simply asked what activities my cousin's lovely bride-to-be had planned to entertain us for the day."

Enishi could hardly contain his increasing complacency as he attended to all that transpired, even more to all that remained unspoken, around him. It seemed he may not even have to lift a finger. Kenshin seemed perfectly adept at ruining his own nuptials. Though, perhaps he would rather give it a little push than not. There was little fun accessible from the sidelines. And it seemed a multitude of entertainment was soon to be had.

That little spitfire-sprite was more blessing than he could ever have hoped for his wonderful wedding plans for his dear cousin Kenshin.

"Oh, well, there is the milliner's shop that Misao and I are to visit this morning. And the picnic with Yuki-san this afternoon. Then there is the opera this evening…I believe father and Kenshin had business in town as well this morning. You are welcome to join us should you not be otherwise engaged."

Kenshin's eyes narrowed at Enishi's feline grin.

"That sounds marvelous." Enishi turned his gaze upon Misao then, deliberately ignoring Kenshin's presence. "To be in the presence of two such divine beings shall deem me the luckiest of men. What envy," here his gaze slid to meet violet, "would a man not brave for such an honor as this."

Kaoru giggled. Really, Enishi was such a tease…

Turning speculative eyes upon Misao, she could not repress her next thought.

'Perhaps he is just what the doctor ordered.'

Misao could not believe Kaoru just giggled. Sometimes her friend had no sense. Couldn't she tell Enishi's game. Well, as Kaoru's heart was still pure, innocent, and wholly given to Ken-chan, it fell to Misao's lot to keep it so. Enishi could flirt all he wanted, but he would not get close enough to damage Kaoru. What a little…

"Misao-dono, a-are you feeling alright?"

Kenshin remembered that look, and it never bode well.

"Of course, I'm fine. Silly Ken-chan. You shouldn't be worrying about me, I'm a tough girl. I can take on the largest of bullies."

Kenshin was not sure whether he was more embarrassed by the girl's allusion to his less than admirable days of youth or more relieved that Misao had acknowledged, with a casual glance to his wayward cousin, that she could handle Enishi. Perhaps he was more disturbed than anything that his innocent girl had somehow been initiated into reality and the intricacies between relationships with the opposite sex. Who had been the one to introduce such concepts to Misao-dono? Was that the cause for the anguish he perceived within her troubled cerulean orbs, the disillusionment?

He would not allow it. No, he would find the man to wreak such destruction.

Violet flashed gold.

He would pay.


As the party alighted from the carriage, Enishi stepped promptly between the two women, offering to each a sturdy, appropriately starched forearm. He presented himself with such swiftness and familiarity of manner that both women had automatically accepted in stunned absent-mindedness before they comprehended what had occurred. Neither of the other gentlemen quite approved.

Kenshin was unsure whether or not to put faith in Misao's ability to elude Enishi's advances. Despite what she asserted, she could not have had too much experience with a man such as his cousin. As proven by the current situation. Kaoru was, of course, his completely. On that front, at least, he was at ease.

Hiko did not trust Enishi near anything in a skirt. Least of all with his daughter or his self-assigned ward. The dolt of a future son-in-law was too idiotic to even recognize a potential threat to his impending marriage vows. And Saito, that overbearing uncle of the girl…well, it would not be pleasant for him if the little weasel actually became involved with a man while under his roof. Really, what was wrong with men these days.

There was something wrong and vaguely disquieting that Hiko had just pondered that disturbing thought. After all, he was a man. There was nothing remotely wrong with him. God, he needed sake.

"Well gentlemen, as you have business, we will not detain you. I shall accompany the lovely ladies wherever their hearts desire to go. Have no fear; they are safe."

So saying, Enishi led the women toward the milliner's.

Growl.

Amethyst and azure met in surprise.

Hiko smirked. Perhaps his son-in-law was not as useless as he appeared. At least not as dense.

"You had best keep an eye on that unruly cousin of yours lest he does something that may be…damaging for his health." Wicked smirk here.

Kenshin could not help feeling a bit apprehensive for Enishi as he watched Hiko turn and walk in the opposite direction the other three had taken.

And, as Kaoru's…gulp…fiancé…that was what he must deal with for the rest of his days…the entity known as Kamiya Hiko.


Yukishiro Enishi was thoroughly and completely at wits end.

Never had a woman, and an insignificant, little twit of a woman at that, so frustrated him.

Half the day spent in her company, yet never able to gain time alone to press his suit.

In the milliner's shop, she had flitted about eagerly, from one section of the store to another, thoroughly entertaining customer and owner alike with her antics. Just as he would casually saunter up to engage her in more private conversation, she would defer to his opinion on some minor nonsense. And, after obtaining his obliging opinion, fly to the side of Kamiya to ask her opinion. There was just no cornering the flighty thing. Whether aware or not, she repelled any appearance Enishi tried to establish of clandestine acquaintance.

Even with Kamiya's not-so-subtle assistance, he could not obtain more than an impersonal moment with the chit. Misao remained ingenuous through it all.

That was even more infuriating.

And the picnic.

Groan.

The picnic.

The twit had situated herself happily between the Kamiyas and devoted all her efforts to entertaining the father-daughter pair. There had been no moment when she was disengaged. Her exuberance soon drew the eyes of the other parties at the picnic. Again and again, conversations halted at the sound of laughter as attention and eyes alike wandered to the trio. Curiosity and speculation spread like fire over oil.

What could have possibly been so entertaining? And so, in twos and threes the little factions slowly converged into on big conglomeration of diversion. The center of which contained the animated innocent, oblivious to her affect. To the fascination and enthrallment in her which not even the most scrupulously prim socialite could escape. Her complete disregard for society and it's opinion, her refreshingly unsullied view of the world. All was novel and charming and disarming artlessness.

Sickening really. This Makimachi Misao.

The worst part about the entire afternoon escapade, was that she remained innocent throughout it all. She did not so much as acknowledge flattery at Enishi's most decided preference to her over all other women in the vicinity. Her purity enraged him. He was no fool; he knew the girl understood his attentions. The chit sought to discourage him through indifference, by not acknowledging his pursuit. She thought to avoid unwanted interest would end all efforts. Had he been any other man, had he been Kenshin, it would have worked. He would have stopped his determined pursuit in deference to her delicacy.

But, he was not. Unfortunate for the little one, he was Yukishiro Enishi. And he had never been scorned, would never again.

She wished to deny him.

The determined fire in her eyes said as much.

Enishi was not a man to be denied. Nor did he retreat from an issued challenge. She wanted to play, then he would play.

Her fire, the challenge she presented, had sealed the deal. She would be conquered, his cousin defeated. His perfect plan of ruin.

Who knew ruin could be so exhilarating…

Ah, speak of the devil.

"Why, Kenshin, you have certainly dressed the part of dashing knight. But of course, your fiancé shall be quite pleased to be seen on your arm."

"Be reasonable Enishi. Stop this nonsense with Misao-dono before someone gets hurt. Hiko and Kaoru will not approve of your attentions."

'Neither will you, right couz?'

"Nonsense, I have been charged, expressly by Kamiya-san to use all my powers of charm and all my experience in entertaining society's finest to obtain favor with Makimachi-san. It appears, as Kamiya-san confided to me this afternoon, that Makimachi-san is in need of a distraction. And I am ready and willing to provide just such a desired diversion."

"Quit trying to ingratiate yourself to Misao-dono. She is not a plaything to be trifled with."

Amber flickered, prepared to scorch.

"Why dear couz, I would never trifle with the affections of an innocent."

"I do not pretend to understand the intricacies of your complex mind, Enishi." Kenshin sighed. Amber simmered back into amethyst. "Nor am I conceited enough to attempt to understand your motives. However, let it be known that Misao-dono, alone and without chaperone though she appear, is by no means defenseless. There are several of her acquaintance in the position of making your life a living h – "

"Really, there is no need to resort to threats, Kenshin. We are kindred. I'm offended you should think I would wish to take advantage of the lady. You should know. She's not my type."

They both knew he spoke false.

As Kenshin prepared to attempt a slightly more effective manner of persuasion, Kaoru and Misao entered the room.

Both felt the strain in the silence.

"Come now boys, cannot you get along five minutes without the fairer sex?"

Kaoru sighed. Could not her father leave well enough alone without provoking conflict?

She relaxed as Kenshin gently drew her arm under his, while shyly complimenting her upon her dress. What a kind, considerate man she was lucky enough to catch herself. She looked up. She tensed slightly. What a kind, considerate man she was lucky enough to catch herself who was currently not looking at her.

No.

She would not begrudge Misao. Not when her friend had let herself be wheedled by Kaoru into dressing properly for once. Besides, as intended, Yukishiro-san was enchanted. He could not keep his eyes off Misao.

Kaoru fought down a snigger.

All men were the same.

Put something pretty in front of them, and they were dumbstruck.


end scene four: the plan


a/n: A bit rusty…all right a lot rusty! I haven't been writing in awhile, so it's not that great…Also, does anyone know how to keep my original formatting instead of these lame lines between scenes? When I uploaded the document stripped my document of all the little symbols I had used for scene breaks. As always, comment and criticism are very welcome (especially constructive criticism…after all, how can I improve without feedback).

Next update: Is Enishi really "enchanted" by Misao? Find out what he really thinks…and the opera! Oh, what fun to be had! Muahahahahaha! )